Increasing awareness of integrated nutrient management among Odisha women farmers

Girija Prasad Patnaik, Ajay Kumar Mishra, Preeti Bharti, Kshitikanta Rout, Mukund Variar, Sheetal Sharma

08 March 2024 (Mayurbhanj, Odisha, India) – Some 30 local women farmers took part in an awareness campaign and event hosted by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) focused on emerging Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) practices.

As part of IRRI’s International Women’s Day celebrations, the campaign focused on sharing the importance of soil health and nutrient management and its impact on crop productivity, environmental sustainability, and resilience. Women farmers were encouraged to collaborate with researchers to participate in demonstrations of new technologies to monitor and evaluate the practices, and emphasis was given to the role of women in sustaining agricultural systems for future generations. These efforts aim to enhance women farmers’ knowledge and skills in managing soil health and nutrients, contributing to sustainable agriculture and food security.

Integrated nutrient management (INM) is crucial in enhancing soil health and contributing to food security. By optimizing organic and inorganic fertilizers, cover crops, and crop residues, INM helps maintain soil fertility, structure, and microbial activity. Healthy soils support better nutrient uptake by plants, improving crop yields and nutritional quality. Women farmers are instrumental in increasing soil health through their active involvement in various agricultural activities such as composting, crop diversification, and organic farming. Their knowledge of local farming practices and close connection to the land also enables them to implement sustainable soil management techniques effectively. As women farmers adopt INM practices, they not only improve soil health on their farms but also contribute to increased food production, resilience to climate change, and overall food security in their communities and beyond. Integrating nutrient management with soil health is essential for empowering women farmers and achieving sustainable food systems.

This awareness…